Ancient Abyss

*As a child of the planet, Morgan had many friends and comrades spread across the planet. She had yet to traverse its entire terrain—and one day she would—but in the area she had managed to cover, she had met many beings and creatures. Not all wanted to be her friend, such as the dangerous and hungry acklay and rancor species, but there was one more dangerous than both those combined that she had allied herself with, though it was more due to the creature's own relationship with the planet than anything she did.

But this friend was also one she hadn't been able to visit in quite some time, its great distance from the base being one factor in that. Morgan figured she owed it another meeting, and she figured it would be amusing to see her own pets' reactions to the creature, most especially the rathtar Terror's. With the help of her akk dog Rush, the journey was made in decent time, with Lokay the tailring perched on his neck before Morgan and Terror tumbling along behind them through the jungle, doing his best to keep up. They took breaks only to rest and eat, Morgan not wanting to spend too much time away from home.

The terrain started to become uneven, littered with ridges and ditches, some sporting vegetation, others bare mud. Morgan held on tightly to Rush as he adjusted his footing to traverse this lopsided land before they at last came upon a large clearing. This was no ordinary clearing, however; this one sported a massive crater, one that, upon inspection, housed several large teeth in a circle. The entire site seemed very ancient and foreboding, and indeed, even Rush seemed unsettled by the terrain.

Morgan smiled as she dismounted the akk, Terror at last catching up and righting himself, looking about curiously. Morgan reached out through the Force into the pit before her, making contact with the consciousness, and projecting a greeting.* Hello! It's me, Morgan! I know it's been a while, but I wanted to visit you again! And I brought friends! ... don't eat them!

*There was silence for a moment as Morgan peered into the pit, her smile slowly beginning to fade. Then the ground rumbled and she nearly fell. Rush splayed his paws and looked about, snarling, as Lokay attempting to grip onto the edges of the akk's scales more tightly. Terror, too, seemed concerned, but his multiple eyes eliminated the need for him to look about so he merely remained in place, ready to react to whatever threat may lay in wait.

And then the ground quaked fiercely as several massive tentacles erupted from the maw, causing Lokay to shriek and take flight, Rush to plant his paws and growl fiercely at the appendages, and Terror to shriek in... terror. Morgan, between trying to keep her footing, only grinned as the next thing to reveal itself was the enormous beak of the sarlacc, peering down upon Morgan and her companions.*

Favored child of Felucia... we meet again. *Its voice rumbled deeply through the Force, earthen as the soil itself. Rush still growled at it, but Terror seemed to be quivering in some strange mixture of fear and fascination. Morgan giggled at the rathtar, though only now realized his true similarities to the sarlacc. Before, she had only considered the tentacles, but now, up close to the sarlacc and having both for reference, she could see that they even sported similar maws; even Terror's tongue somewhat resembled the sarlacc's beak.

And both species were quite ravenous...

Grinning, Morgan looked back up at the sarlacc, speaking aloud while projecting her meaning through the Force.* "It's been a long time! I'm sorry I didn't visit more, but you do live very far away."

*Rush, seeming to recognize that Morgan wasn't threatened by this beast, seemed to relax, but only slightly, as though the akk suspected he himself was not quite safe. The sarlacc took little notice, seeming intrigued by her words and bringing its beak somewhat closer to her.* You... are eager to visit with me?

*Morgan grinned and nodded.* "Yeah! You're awesome!"

*The sarlacc contemplated this before responding,* I inspire awe in you... And you return to experience this once more... I find this... flattering.

*The concept of such a massive and fearsome creature being flattered was far too funny for Morgan not to laugh.* "Well it's true! You're cool! And I kind of wanted you to meet my friends as well. Mostly Terror here. He's a rathtar, and he's kinda like you! Only a lot tinier."

*She gestured toward the trembling Terror and the sarlacc's gaze followed. The rathtar froze as their gazes met—proverbially, in the sarlacc's case. The sarlacc lowered one of its undulating tentacles closer to the suddenly-small-seeming specimen, who did not move. The sarlacc opted not to make full contact, the tip of the tentacle stopping mere meters above the rathtar; if it were possible, it seemed as though every single one of Terror's bulbous eyes focused on the very tip of the appendage above him.

And then, one of the rathtar's tentacles moved, lifting toward the massive one above him. They made contact, the sarlacc's appendage dwarfing the rathtar's. Terror seemed almost in awe of the behemoth above him, while the sarlacc seemed to consider him still. After a moment, it released a low rumble, before declaring,* This one interests me. You are correct, we do in fact share some resemblances. Almost familial... but he is far too scrawny.

*It withdrew its tentacle. In response, Terror extended his own almost longingly, but otherwise remained in awe of the entire experience. Morgan smiled sweetly at him. It was then that Lokay chose to make his return, gliding down and perching upon her bare shoulder. He still seemed to be in shock at the big beast, but Morgan's calmness seemed to at the very least ease his fear of the creature.

The sarlacc chose to focus its attention on Rush next, whose fangs were still bared as it glared up at the maw of the behemoth.* In this one I sense a connection to you, much like you share with the planet. It seems to show no fear...

*Morgan beamed and walked towards the akk, explaining,* "His name's Rush! He's an akk dog. I met him a couple years ago on Haruun Kal and bonded with him, then brought him here."

"Haruun Kal," yes... *the ancient one murmured, as though recognizing the name.

Morgan reached Rush, putting her arms around him and stroking his scales.* "Easy, Rush," *she spoke to him.* "He may be huge, but he's a friend of mine, he helped me out before! He won't hurt you."

*Rush still seemed distrusting. Perhaps it was its similarities to Terror, a creature Rush was put in charge of keeping in line, that made him feel uneasy with the idea of it being a superior creature to himself. Jealousy? Morgan kept a giggle to herself.*

He protects you? *the sarlacc inquired.

Morgan nodded, releasing the akk but keeping a hand rested on his neck, stroking his scales.* "Yep! He also gives me rides, so I can get places faster, like out here! Maybe we can visit you more now!" *Rush looked at her questioningly, as though he weren't too fond of that idea. Morgan giggled.* "Oh, Rush, you'll grow to like him soon!"

He is not comfortable with me? *The sarlacc's tone almost sounded amused.

Shaking her head, Morgan replied,* "He's just looking out for me! If he thinks something's dangerous, he doesn't like when I'm around it."

Is that so... ? *Its gaze then turned to Morgan.* And what of the small creature upon your shoulder?

*Glancing at Lokay, Morgan answered,* "This is Lokay, a tailring! I've had him for a few years. I found his egg in my bag when his mommy laid it there and he hatched in my lap! He thinks I'm his mommy." *She giggled, though still deep down felt some small regret over the mother losing one of her offspring's attachment to another being. Still, it couldn't be helped.

The sarlacc examined them for a moment longer, then lowered one of its tentacles on the ground beside Morgan, flattening it somewhat.* Come, *it invited.* Visit with me.

*Morgan's mouth opened in a small "o" shape as she looked between the beak and the tentacle. Then, beaming, she stepped onto the tentacle gently. The tentacle lifted up, causing Morgan to wobble and nearly lose her balance before she quickly sat down upon the tentacle, better able to hang on this way, Lokay flailing and trying to hang on. The tentacle stopped beside the maw; for the briefest moment, Morgan felt fear, but it subsided as the tentacle raised itself level with the top of the sarlacc's head. Beaming again, she stood and gently hopped off onto its head, then sat down cross-legged upon it.

And then she giggled.*

It is still intriguing to me how the planet favors you, *it mused, tentacle lowering.* Many ages have I dwelt upon this planet, and Felucia and I have grown to know each other well. I have never seen a being like you, a mortal the planet has bestowed the greatest of bonds upon. You are... fascinating to me.

*Morgan giggled again, though mostly she felt pleased and somehow honored that this great being would find her fascinating.* "I don't know how to explain it. When I landed here, I just... sorta connected. And then one time, I got attacked by... by a monster, and I almost died... but Mommy took my soul! I spent some time here with her, and when I came back, my connection was even stronger! I really love it..."

*What she also loved was the view from atop the sarlacc's head. Rush and Terror looked so tiny from up here, though she could still read their emotions from this distance: Rush seemed to be concerned for Morgan's safety atop the maw, whereas Terror seemed... jealous? Longing?

And then there was the rest of the jungle. She could see over the tops of many of the trees and fungal columns, stretching for long distances. It seemed that, no matter how many times Morgan journeyed into the jungle, she was always discovering new sights and appreciation for the beauty that was her Mother. And this time, it was from on top of the sarlacc! Now that was cool!*

I would wish to learn more of you, but fear not, I do not plan on ingesting you.

*Was that a joke? Morgan tilted her head as she attempted to divine the answer. She didn't think the sarlacc was capable of humor... but then, it could have been simply a stated fact, as sarlaccs tended to absorb knowledge and wisdom from their many victims. She decided to simply nod and smile, replying with a joke of her own.* "Good. Mommy would probably be mad at you if you did that."

That is precisely why I do not plan on ingesting you.

*Morgan was still unable to tell if this was humor or a mere statement of facts, but she giggled softly anyway. She would then go on to converse with the sarlacc, telling it more about herself and her adventures in the wilderness. The sarlacc seemed genuinely intrigued, listening to and absorbing the information she gave him. Morgan was all too happy to tell about her connection, her abilities, and her adventures, even offworld. These were of no less interest to the sarlacc.* Were I able to travel the stars, *it lamented.

Morgan tilted her head to the side, frowning. She'd been too focused on how massive and cool the creature was that she never considered the fact that it was bound to the planet, unable to seek new lands or adventures. If there was some way to cheer it up...* "Well, maybe you can tell me some of your stories about the planet?"

This, the sarlacc was willing to oblige, as he recounted the tale of a time when the world was nearly thrown toward the dark side. A wise Jedi Master named Shaak Ti had sought refuge on Felucia, and had even bonded with the sarlacc, but she was killed by a dark side foe. The death of the Jedi caused the Jedi's own apprentice to become corrupted, as she twisted the native Felucians to do her bidding. That was when warriors from the sky—Imperials, Morgan realized—had come to attempt to exert their own dominance on the land, and had even subdued the sarlacc. Morgan gasped, but the sarlacc explained that none other than Shaak Ti's murderer had returned to free the sarlacc from its shackles, and even provided him with many meals in the process. The sarlacc, grateful for his aid and seeming turn away from the dark, returned the warrior's aid, releasing the dark side's grip on the planet.

Morgan listened, fascinated by all this; this was a story she had never heard told before.* "Thank you for telling me this!" *she enthused.*

I have many more, older stories to tell, would you be willing to listen, *it added. Before Morgan could respond, it continued,* Perhaps, however, for another time. You should return to your family, but do visit with me again. *It paused, turning its maw toward Terror.* ... and do bring the rathtar again.

*Morgan peeked down at the ground to find that Terror that curled up affectionately against one of the sarlacc's lowered tentacles. She smiled sweetly, then nodded.* "I will!" *The sarlacc then again offered her its tentacle, and she rode it back down to the ground. Rush, who had been laying on the ground, got to his feet, approaching her, sniffing her, assessing her for any damage. When he was satisfied, he turned away from the creature, offering his back, ready to depart. Terror, recognizing the cue to leave, reluctantly extricated himself from the sarlacc's tentacle and prepared to follow his owner.*

Farewell, young Morgan and company. May we meet again soon.

*As the sarlacc began to retreat once more within the pit, Morgan beamed and waved, calling out,* "Bye! I'll be back!" *She waited, her and Terror both watching until the sarlacc's appendages totally submerged out of sight, before Morgan mounted the akk, Lokay once more climbing down in front of her. Terror, releasing a noise that sounded like a whimper, turned and prepared to follow them. Giving him a sad smile, Morgan reached out to pat him gently.* "Aw, it's okay Terror, we'll be back!" *It did little to ease his sadness. Something that was honestly quite new for him, but then again, Morgan had known him only a little while. Morgan slid off Rush again in order to give him more a affectionate embrace, which it nuzzled into. She smiled into its eyes before once more mounting Rush, and the group was on their way back to the base at last.*