AKwxlady Obi Wans Daughter Part two Chapter one

Ki’tia was hiding under the pilot console of Cherral’s supply ship. The ship was on the landing platform at Rwookrrorro on Kashyyyk, the Wookiee home world. Cherral had left the ship after the usual inspection by Imperial Stormtroopers. He would be back to get Ki’tia after the cargo was offloaded, and after nightfall. On the flight from Dagobah Cherral warned her the Imperial presence on Kashyyyk was greater than the last time she lived on the planet with the Wookiees, more than four years ago. He would have to sneak her off the landing platform in the dark. They would climb over the edge and make their way along the wroshyr trees that make up the base of the city. Ki’tia hoped her climbing skills were up to this, at least she had the Force to help her. It had been almost six years since she had left Kashyyyk to live with Jedi Master Yoda on Dagobah. Right now, it was cramped under the console, even though she was just over 1.5 meters tall, still she was smaller the last time she had to hide like this.

The sound of the console panel being opened woke Ki’tia from sleep. “Is it time to go?” she asked the Wookiee looking down on her. Rather than answer, Cherral just reached in and pulled her out from under the console. He quickly replace the cover to the console panel. They exited the ship. It was dark and there were few lights on the landing platform.

[Follow me,] Cherral said in Shyriiwook, which Ki’tia understood from living with the Wookiees for more than seven years as a child. He crouched low and moved between the other ships on the platform until they were near the edge. He leapt over the edge and caught himself by one arm and both legs, hanging underneath the platform. He reached up with the free arm and grabbed Ki’tia, pulling her to him. She knew not to scream, but it was more frightening than she remembered. [Can you climb, or should I carry you?] Cherral asked.

“I’ll climb,” Ki’tia replied. Cherral made sure she had a good grip on the support limbs, and then they started moving across the expanse of wroshyr trees. After several minutes of travel, Ki’tia realize they were not going in the direction of Cherral’s house. “Where are we going?” she asked. “This is not the way home.”

[To the Elders,] Cherral answered, turning now into the city of Rwookrrorro.

“At this time of night?” Ki’tia asked. “Why? What’s wrong, Cherral?” They were walking now along the streets of Rwookrrorro. Cherral didn’t answer Ki’tia. He just reached out and grabbed her hand in his paw and pulled her along toward the main city square. Something was not right, she could feel the tension growing in Cherral. He was her best friend. The one who had rescued her after Darth Vader killed her mother and destroyed her village when she was seven. Cherral practically raised her with the help of his sister, Sarrua, until he took her to Yoda when she was fourteen. She knew something was wrong. Cherral was never this distant with her.

Once they reached the main city square, Cherral took Ki’tia directly into the assembly room. It was the middle of the night, but there were at least a dozen Wookiees in the room. Cherral’s sister Sarrua ran to give Ki’tia a hug when she entered.

[Sit down Sarrua,] said Kerrithrarr, chief of the Wookiees. [There is not much time.] Sarrua smiled at Ki’tia and returned to her seat behind the Elders. [Welcome home Ki’tia, our littlest of the People of the Trees.] It was the highest compliment the Wookiees could give. They called themselves the ‘People of the Trees’ and they accepted Ki’tia as one of their own.

“Thank you, Kerrithrarr,” Ki’tia replied. “It is good to be home, but what is wrong? I feel the tension among all of you, my family.” Ki’tia looked to the Elders. She thought they would be happy to see her, but none of them were looking directly at her.

[Little one,] Kerrithrarr continued, [this time you cannot stay with us on Kashyyyk. It is not safe here for you. The Imperials raid our city every few days. If they find you, it will be bad for all.] Kerrithrarr looked at Cherral, who was still standing by the door. Cherral hung his head.

“Where will I go?” Ki’tia asked. “I can’t go back to Master Yoda. He has other obligations.” She looked at Cherral. He would not look at her.

[We know of a good man,] Kerrithrarr said, [who has vowed to help the Wookiees if we ever asked. His name is Kal Skirata. He is the leader of a planet named Munin, located between Yavin and Keyorin. His name, the name of the planet and its location are absolute secrets. You must not tell anyone where you are going.]

“I understand,” Ki’tia nodded, “but, how do I get there?”

Kerrithrarr motioned to another Wookiee standing against the wall. [This is Chewbacca.] Chewbacca stepped away from the wall. [He will take you to Nal Hutta and buy you a ticket on a starliner. You will take the starliner to Ord Mantell and then to Keyorin. Once you get to Keyorin you will hire a ship to take you to Munin.] Kerrithrarr handed Ki’tia a starmap and pointed to a planet. [These are the coordinates for Munin. Memorize them now Ki’tia, this is the only time you will see this map.]

Ki’tia studied the map. She memorized the location for Munin and the name Kal Skirata. “Where will I get the credits to pay for all these vessels?” she asked.

[Chewbacca has credits for you,] Kerrithrarr said, [but you must leave immediately. The first Imperial patrols will be in the city just after dawn.] Tears filled Ki’tia’s eyes. Chewbacca reached down and picked up the bag she had brought from Dagobah, she hadn’t noticed it had been at his feet all this time. He motioned for her to come with him. When she got to Chewbacca, he pulled her up next to his chest and tied her beneath his baldric.

“I can climb myself,” she protested, but Chewbacca was already heading out the door and moving much more quickly than Ki’tia had ever traveled through the trees. She looked behind them just in time to see Cherral standing outside the counsel room, watching them go.

Chewbacca didn’t take her to the Rwookrrorro landing platform, but rather he climbed outside of the city to a secret landing base. Before long she was inside a ship that was much bigger than Cherral’s supply ship. Chewbacca strapped her into a seat in the main cabin and went forward. The ship took off with a loud roar. There were no windows where she was sitting. Ki’tia didn’t even get a final look at Kashyyyk.

The ship rolled and jolted for several minutes, then the ride became much smoother. A little while later a human man came strolling into the area from the front of the ship. He approached where Ki’tia was sitting.

“Han Solo,” he said nodding to her. “Captain of the Millennium Falcon. I’m taking you to Nal Hutta for the Wookiee Elders. Chewie says they call you the ‘Littlest of the People of the Trees.’ That’s high praise for a human.” Solo was leaning against the curved doorway looking at the girl, his arms crossed and head tilted. “Who, exactly, are you?”

“I’m Ki’tia,” she answered shyly. “I lived in Rwookrrorro for many years as a child. Many of the Wookiees are like family to me.”

“Ki’tia who?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Just Ki’tia,” she shrugged. “That’s my only name.”

“Yeah, well, that may or may not be.” Solo stepped away from the wall. “All I know is I don’t like mysteries, and I’m not supposed to asked any questions about you, or where you’re going. So you just enjoy the trip and don’t cause any trouble.” He turned and started forward again.

“I won’t get in your way, Captain Solo,” she called after him. Solo turned to look at the girl and Ki’tia smiled. “Thank you for taking me to Nal Hutta.”

Solo studied her face. She was pretty, long milky white hair and blue eyes, but there was something about her eyes. They reminded him of someone. There was something else about her, too. Something he couldn’t put his finger on, a feeling maybe. “The flight’s just a little over an hour,” he told her. “You can take off the restraints and get some sleep. It’ll be a smooth landing.”

“Thank you, Captain,” she said. Solo left the cabin.

She didn’t see Han Solo for the rest of the voyage, nor did she see him when they landed on Nal Hutta. Chewbacca led her off the Millennium Falcon, carrying her bag for her. He took her over to the passenger terminal, where he handed her a credit chip. The Starliner Astral Way 4 bound for Ord Mantell was scheduled to depart Nal Hutta in 27 hours. Chewbacca helped Ki’tia arranged for a ticket in her name. He then explained he had to get back to Solo, that they had people waiting for them in other parts of the galaxy.

Ki’tia put the ticket and the credit chip in a pocket in her tunic. “I’ll be alright, Chewbacca,” she said with a smile at the Wookiee. “Please thank Captain Solo again for me, and thank you, too, for helping me.” Chewbacca handed her her bag and quickly left the passenger terminal.

Ki’tia walked to the passenger boarding area for the Astral Way 4. There was a young man in a white ship’s uniform behind the desk. “Excuse me sir,” she inquired.

“Yes, Miss,” the young man replied smartly. “How can I be of service to you?”

“I have a ticket for the voyage to Ord Mantell,” Ki’tia began, “and I was wondering if I could board the ship early. I don’t have any place to stay until we depart.”

The young man took on his most serious official expression. “I’m very sorry Miss. No one is allowed to board the Astral Way 4 until two hours before departure. There are hotels and casinos outside the passenger terminal for you convenience.” He pointed to the entrance and smiled.

She didn’t want to waste her credits on a hotel room and she certainly wasn’t going to gamble. There were food vendors around the edge of the passenger terminal. She would just buy herself something to eat and sit in here until it was time to board the starliner.

Ki’tia bought some food and a drink and found an out of the way spot to sit. She tucked her bag under the chair and started to eat a pastry filled with vegetables and gravy. While she was eating she noticed a man staring at her. He was large with dark hair and smoking a sweet smelling cigarra. He was standing with a group of others, and obviously their leader. She turned her gaze away from the man to avoid eye contact. It didn’t dissuade him and before long he was standing over her.

“Now what’s a pretty little thing like you doing alone on Nal Hutta?” he smiled, leering down at her. His cigarra sticking out of the side of his mouth.

Ki’tia looked up at the huge man. “I’m waiting to board the starliner Astral Way 4.”

“Astral Way 4,” the man laughed. “That bucket of bolts! You’ll be lucky to make it out of Hutt space before they have to bring her right back here for repairs. Then, you’ll be out the price of that ticket, ‘cause they don’t give no refunds once you leave port.” The man leaned down and placed a finger under Ki’tia’s chin, lifting it so he could look into her eyes. “Now, if you was smart, you’d sell that ticket back to them and keep the credits. Come fly with me. Name’s Niles Ferrier, Captain Niles Ferrier. I’ll take you any place you want to go in the galaxy.” He looked over Ki’tia and licked his lips. “I like them blue eyes and long milky hair. All you have to do is give me the standard fee in return…be ‘friendly’ to me, keep me warm at night. You know what I mean, sweet thing. Don’t you?” He moved his hand to cup Ki’tia’s face and she quickly pulled away.

“I’m sure the starliner is perfectly safe,” she replied. “Now, leave me alone, Mr. Ferrier.”

“That’s Captain Ferrier,” he leaned in toward her, “and you don’t know what you’re missing. I’m very good to my women. You would enjoy the voyage.” He started to reach for her again.

Ki’tia backed away from his advance. “As I said,” she began “I have every confidence in the Astral Way 4, and you, Captain, disgust me. Leave. Me. Alone.” She glared at Ferrier until he stood and marched away.

There were still 22 hours before the Astral Way 4 would begin boarding. Ki’tia walked around the passenger terminal to stay awake. She drank caf. She walked around the casinos. Carrying her bag with her everywhere she went. With about 4 hours to go she bought another cup of caf and sat down near the starliner boarding area.

“Miss. Miss. You can board now.” A male voice was talking to her and someone was shaking her shoulder. “Miss. Wake up. Miss. You can board the Astral Way 4.”

Ki’tia came awake with a start. “It’s time to board!” she looked up into the face of the young man she had spoken to at the boarding area earlier.

“Yes, Miss,” he replied. “You fell asleep. I remembered you from yesterday. You need to board soon, Miss.”

“Oh, thank you!” Ki’tia smiled at the young man. She reached under her chair for her bag. It was gone. She looked around, but she didn’t see it. “My Bag! It’s gone! Did you see anyone take my bag? It was right her at my feet.” She pointed to the area under her chair.

“I’m sorry Miss,” he said. “I’ve only been on duty a couple of hours, and I’ve been busy with passengers. I only just noticed you over here a few minutes ago. You really do need to get on board. We are at ‘Last Call.’ The captain will be closing the gates soon.”

Ki’tia looked around again. Her bag was nowhere in sight. Oh well, she would just have to do without. Right now she needed to get on the starliner. The young officer was holding her by the arm, trying to hurry her toward the gate. As then neared the gate Ki’tia reached in her pocket…her ticket and credit chip were missing, too. She stopped and looked at the young man.

“My ticket!” she cried. “It’s gone! I had it right here in my pocket with my credit chip. They’re both gone!” Tears were filling Ki’tia’s eyes.

“I’m sorry, Miss,” the young man released Ki’tia’s arm. “We can’t let you board without your ticket.”

“But you saw it yesterday,” Ki’tia was crying. “You know I had a ticket. It was in my name. Someone stole it and my bag and credit chip. Please help me!” Ki’tia was now holding onto the young man’s arm, tears running down her face.

“What’s the commotion over here?” an older man in an elaborate uniform approached. “Ensign Gregson! What’s the meaning of all this?”

“Captain DeHolt, Sir!” the young man pulled his arm from Ki’tia’s grip and saluted. “This young lady has lost her ticket, Sir.”

“My ticket was stolen,” Ki’tia said through tears, “and my credit chip and my bag. I’ve been here since yesterday. [sob] I tried to stay awake. I tried.” She burst into tears and covered her face.

“Do you live on Nal Hutta, Miss?” Captain Deholt asked.

“No,” Ki’tia answered, still crying.

“How old are you?” he asked, appraising the young woman.

“About 20,” she responded.

“Have you ever been in trouble with the Empire?” the captain inquired.

“No, never,” Ki’tia answered, now looking at the captain. She stopped crying.

“Are you good with children and would you be willing to work on the starliner for this voyage?” Captain DeHolt questioned Ki’tia.

“Yes, sir,” Ki’tia answered. “I’m very good with children, and I’d be happy to work for my passage.” She smiled at the captain, blotting the tears on her face with her sleeve.

“Excellent!” the captain returned her smile. “I’m in desperate need of a Children’s Purser, and you’ve just been hired. Follow me to my office and we’ll fill out the paperwork and get you a uniform.” He turned to Ensign Gregson. “Ensign, close the gates behind us. Let’s get this starliner into space.”

“Yes Sir!” Ensign Gregson replied with a smart salute and a smile at Ki’tia. Ki’tia smiled back at the ensign and followed Captain DeHolt up the ramp to the Astral Way 4.

Off in the corner of the passenger terminal Niles Ferrier scowled as he watched the pretty young woman board the starliner behind the captain. He reached in his pocket, removed a starliner ticket and threw it in the trash. Then he did the same with a bag he had been hiding behind his back.

Chapter 2, Obi-Wan’s Daughter main page