and Kallabow. "You'd better help translate, Em Teedee," he said.
"At last, my primary function!" the little droid said. "I am fluent in
over sixteen forms of communication, you know."
After a brief greeting and message, Jacen learned from the slow Wookiee
growls that Lowie was no longer on Kashyyyk, that he had left the planet
days ago.
"What?" Jacen said. He and Tenel Ka exchanged a concerned glance.
"Where did they go.*" He and Sirra had gone with Raaba to meet Nolaa
Tarkona in person and learn more about the Diversity Alliance.
Many other Wookiees had expressed a similar interest, after the fine
speech Raaba had given.
"They have gone to the headquarters--on Ry-loth?"
Tenel Ka asked, and both older Wookiees nodded.
Jacen felt the blood drain from his face, but he forced a cheerful
expression and thanked Kallabow and Mahraccor--no need to trouble them
unnecessarily until he knew more.
"Dear me," said Em Teedee from where he hovered just above Jacen's right
shoulder. "After what we've learned of the Diversity Alliance, I fear
Master Lowbacca has fallen in with an unsavory lot.
I do hope he's safe."
Jaina gave the little droid a sympathetic pat.
"Don't we all, Em Teedee," she said. "Don't we all."
A trio of young Wookiees stood at a tunnel entrance that faced the cold
Together, they gazed up into the star-studded skY.
Sparkling white glaciers and ice fields covered the rugged landscape
beyond the twilight boundary.
The chill wind was harsh enough that it penetrated even their thick
pelts.
Chocolate-furred Raaba stood between Lowie and Sirra, an arm across each
of their shoulders.
Lowie was glad he had found his old friend again and that Raaba and
Sirra were reunited, but he often thought about his companions Jacen and
Jaina and Tenel Ka. And he couldn't break himself of the habit of
touching the empty spot on his fiber belt where Em Teedee should have
been clipped ....
As if sensing the flow of his thoughts, Raaba spoke in firm and cheerful
tones to reassure him.
· He was among true friends now, she said. Lowie was where he belonged.
They watched the stars for a while, then went back into the winding
tunnels.