Ki’tia heard the starship approach before she reached the forest, but she kept running. She had a stich in her side. She used the techniques her mother taught her to call upon the Force to increase her strength and speed. The basket was heavy, but she held onto it tightly. Finally, she reached the forest and headed into the trees. There was a starship coming out of the forest, but it could not be the one to take her to safety, she hadn’t yet pressed the button. She hid in a small ravine from that starship. When it had passed she climbed higher. She found a small overhang and crawled under it. She could smell fire and saw smoke coming from the direction of her village.
Ki’tia sensed much pain and confusion through the Force. She knew terrible things were happening in Gilfari. Ki’tia felt her mother was in pain. Mother was horrified and fighting for her life. Then, just as quickly, Ki’tia felt her mother’s life end. “No!” she screamed. She stood and started running down the mountain toward the village.
“No, my daughter,” Ki’tia heard her mother’s voice in her mind. “You must stay hidden until this is over. You must survive, my little love.”
Ki’tia stopped running and returned to the cover of the overhang. She pulled the necklace out from under her tunic and pushed the button. She looked in the basket and took out some food to eat, then she drank some water and brushed her hair. She curled up with the blanket and tried not to think about what was burning.
The fires continued all day. Ki’tia stayed hidden under the overhang in the forest. Toward nightfall the starships started to leave and the fires seemed to be going out. Ki’tia started making her way down out of the forest. As she approached the village she stretched out with the Force looking for people, either villagers or stranger, but she sensed no one. It was dark by the time she walked into the village. There was nothing there. All the homes, all the buildings, were gone. It was dark, she couldn’t see very well. “Skadi!” she called. “Sami! Is anybody here?” There was no answer. She stretched out with the Force. There was no one. They were all gone.
Suddenly, a bright light from above lit the area. The light was getting brighter, bigger and closer. Ki’tia looked around and saw burnt bodies and burnt houses. As she stared unbelieving, a starship landed near her in the village square. Part of the craft opened and a very tall, very hairy being stepped out and came toward her. Ki’tia could sense him in the Force. This was the being she was to go with. He studied her, then made a sound like a soft bark, and gestured for her to come with him.
“Wait,” she said, “I need to check my home. I need to see if it is okay, first.”
The being shook its head in a negative gesture, “Muawa,” it said, and made a circular motion with one arm pointing to the devastation around them.
“My home is gone, too?” she asked.
He shook his head ‘yes’ and held out its arms to her. “Ruh gwyaaaag,” he said. She picked up her basket and walked to the tall, hairy being.
“My name is Ki’tia. I’m supposed to go with you.” The being took the basket from the girl and guided her into the ship. He showed her a place to sit and fastened straps across her shoulders. The big door closed and the ship started making more noise, soon she could feel they were moving. Ki’tia looked out a window and saw the smoldering fires of her home fading into the distance. Soon, out the same window, she saw many stars, then those stars became a strange pattern of light and dark sky. She felt like they might be moving very fast. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.
The Wookiee, Cherral, was stunned at the devastation left by the Imperials when he arrived on Jolnir after receiving the emergency beacon transmission. He had been with Yoda when the Jedi Master left the beacon with the woman, Kerawyn, over seven years ago. The village they had flown over at that time was large and seemed prosperous. Now there was nothing left of the village, nor the home of Kerawyn, but smoldering remains of building and bodies. Cherral saw the beacon hanging on a chain around the neck of the little girl standing in the middle of the ruined village. She must be the daughter of Kerawyn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, the one Master Yoda asked the Wookiees to protect.
Cherral studied the little girl now. Ki’tia was asleep against the restraints in her seat. He thought she must have the strength of a Wookiee to have survived that ordeal, called for help, and then so calmly walked onto a strange starship with what must seem to her an even stranger being. Cherral laughed to himself. Yes, she may be tiny, but she is strong. She will do well on Kashyyyk.
Ki’tia awoke sometime later. The sky outside the spaceship was still a blur of light and dark lines. “Hi,” she said to the pilot. “I’m Ki’tia. What’s your name?”
“Cherral,” he replied, in a deep growl.
“Cher-ra-al,” she tried to say the name as he had. Cherral thought it was a pretty good attempt at pronouncing his name, for a human child. He smiled at her, which in truth was more a baring of his teeth. Ki’tia’s eyes went wide and Cherral realized he might be scarring the child. He stopped smiling and nodded at her. Ki’tia pointed out the window and asked, “Are we in space, where the stars are?”
“Uma,” Cherral answered shaking his heading the affirmative.
“Ooma,” Ki’tia repeated with as much of a growl as she could make. “Does that mean yes?” she asked. Cherral shook his head ‘yes.’ “Uma,” she tried again and Cherral smiled. This time Ki’tia smiled back. “How do you say ‘no’ in your language?”
“Muawa,” Cherral replied.
“Moo-ah-wa,” Ki’tia tried.
Cherral shrugged, “Muawa,” he growled.
“Mooo-ah-Waa,” Ki’tia tried with as much of a growl as she could produce. Cherral thought it wasn’t half bad. He laughed a Wookiee barking laugh and Ki’tia laughed, also. “I have some food. Would you like to share?” Ki’tia asked, holding up the basket.
“Uma,” Cherral replied. Shaking his head ‘yes.’
Ki’tia reached into the basket and pulled out a piece of fruit. “Would you like some fruit?” she offered the fruit to Cherral. He took the fruit and popped it whole into his mouth. She heard a crunch, crunch and then Cherral swallowed. “No, wait!” Ki’tia said quickly. “I don’t think you’re supposed to eat the seeds.”
Cherral just tilted his head to the side and patted his stomach. He smiled again and Ki’tia handed him another fruit. Cherral gave it back to her indicating she should eat it. Ki’tia took a bite of the fruit and the juice started running down her chin. “Oops,” she said. “Mommy always cut these up. They’re very juicy and I don’t have a napkin. I don’t want to make a mess in your starship.” She put the fruit back into the basket. Cherral reached over with a huge furry paw and wiped her chin, but in doing so he covered her whole face. Ki’tia closed her eyes and turned her head slightly from the furry administration. “Thank you,” she said. “How do you say ‘thank you’ in your language?”
“Ur oh,” Cherral said.
“Ur oh,” Ki’tia repeated, trying to roll the ‘r’ sound with as much of a growl as she could make. Cherral nodded affirmative. It wasn’t perfect Wookiee Shyriiwook pronunciation, but the child was trying. “Ur oh,” she said, again and smiled at Cherral. He patted her on the head and smiled back. This time she didn’t even flinch at his bared teeth.
An alarm sounded and Cherral turned back toward the controls where a light was flashing. He looked back at Ki’tia, and then back at the flashing light, then quickly back at Ki’tia, as if unsure about something. Suddenly, he jumped out of his seat and unfastened the restraints holding her. He pulled her out of her seat and brought her toward the front of the ship. The alarm was still sounding and the light was still flashing. Cherral reached under the console and pulled on a panel until it came away. He motioned for Ki’tia to get into the space under the console. “You want me to hide?” she asked.
“Uma,” Cherral answered, shaking his head ‘yes.’ Ki’tia scrambled under the console and Cherral pushed her basket in after her. He replaced the panel and quickly pulled the hyperspace lever. The stars returned as the craft returned to realspace. A beautiful green and white planet could been seen through the main window, and an Imperial Star Destroyer. The planet Kashyyyk was under Imperial martial law. Cherral’s ship was a registered transport. He was on a scheduled run, just a little late. Having Ki’tia essentially at his feet should hide her from any normal sensor sweeps. He hoped.
“Unidentified vessel approaching Kashyyyk, transmit your transponder id and clearance code immediately, or be destroyed,” a voice boomed from the comm station.
Cherral quickly complied with the order and sent his codes. The approach system was designed to limit the communication necessary between the controllers and the Wookiees.
“Kashyyyk transport T-9018,” the Imperial voice continued. “You are recognized and cleared to land at Rwookrrorro. Prepare for boarding and inspection upon landing.”
Ki’tia heard the Imperial commands. She knew Cherral would not have hidden her if presence was permitted. She took a deep calming breath, the way her mother had taught her, and hid herself in the Force. She would not be found. She would not be a problem for Cherral.
The flight became bumpy and Ki’tia practiced more calming breaths. The ship tilted one way and then the other, dipped and turned. Finally, she could tell they were slowing, then there was a gentle bump and the ship stopped. She heard Cherral get out of his seat and go to open the door of the ship. Soon, there was the sound of several people looking through the ship.
“You don’t have much cargo,” the Imperial Stormtrooper Captain said to Cherral, “and this trip took you a day longer than usual?”
Cherral just looked at him and shrugged his shoulders. The Stormtrooper Captain pulled his DC-11 rifle and slammed the rifle butt into Cherral’s stomach. Cherral bent over and coughed, then raised his hands, palms up and made a few small “woof, woof” sounds. He wasn’t really saying anything, but it was usually enough to placate the Imperials.
“Yeah,” the Captain told him, “just remember next time, to be more polite to those in charge.” Cherral kept his head down. He just wanted to get these guys out of here, then figure out how he was going to get the girl past the guards.
Another Stormtrooper came up to the Captain, “Captain Tolson, Sir,” he said, saluting. “The cargo is as reported on the manifest, and the rest of the ship is empty.”
“Thank you, trooper,” the Captain returned the salute. “Release the ship to the pilot and RTB.” With that, the Captain turned and left the vessel.
The trooper turned to Cherral, “You may go about your business,” he said. “Squad! Return to base!” He then formed into a disciplined group with the rest of the search team and marched off the ship.
Cherral stood up straight and let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. He reached into a storage cabinet behind the cockpit and pulled out a large brown pack bag. Looking out the front window to be sure no more troopers were near, he pulled the panel under the console in front of his pilot’s chair. Ki’tia poked her head out. “Is it okay to come out?” she whispered. Cherral just grabbed her and started stuffing her into the bag. He got her in and push the basket in on top of her. “I guess not,” she said to herself.
Cherral replaced the console panel and strapped the bag to his chest. He patted the lump that was Ki’tia reassuringly, and headed off the ship. The cargo would be unloaded by others, so he left the hatch open. He thought about just going over the edge of the landing platform, but that would likely draw too much attention from the Stormtroopers. He headed for the exit.
The usual pair of Stormtroopers in white armor guarded the exit from the landing platform. When Cherral approached, one of the said, “Halt.” Cherral stopped in front of them. The Stormtrooper asked, “What’s in the bag?”
Cherral just woofed softly, reached into the bag and pulled out the piece of fruit Ki’tia had taken a bite out of. He showed it to the Stormtroopers.
“Food, huh,” the trooper said. “What else would a Wookiee be carrying in such a big bag. Alright, get going.” He motioned Cherral out of the landing area. Cherral smiled with his lips curled back over his teeth and tossed the fruit into his mouth.
Being a bachelor, Cherral’s home was in the older section of Rwookrrorro and higher in the wroshyr trees than most other homes. He wanted to avoid more questions about what was in his bag, so he started to climb rather than use the well-traveled streets of the city. Even climbing he had to take an indirect route and the trip took nearly an hour. Cherral could tell Ki’tia was getting jostled around, but he didn’t dare open the bag to check on her.
When they reached his home he went through the house and closed all the windows before he sat down the bag holding Ki’tia. He pulled open the strings to the bag and the girl stuck her head out. “Are we safe?” she asked, looking around.
“Uma,” Cherral replied shaking his head ‘yes.’ He turned on a light. Ki’tia crawled out of the bag and stood up. She staggered a little and Cherral offered her a paw.
“I guess I’m a little unsteady, after all that bouncing,” Ki’tia said, with a laugh. Cherral gave a Wookiee laugh and helped her to a rather large chair. “I’m not supposed to be here, am I?” she asked. “If those soldiers find me you’ll get in trouble.” Ki’tia’s eyes were big as she looked at the Wookiee. Cherral just shrugged and looked away. How could he explain a life debt to the child? All the Wookiees owed Master Yoda a life debt, many times over. Yoda asked this of him. He was honor bound to see to this child’s safety. Well, he’d better start by feeding her. He turned and went into his kitchen. Ki’tia jumped out of the chair and followed Cherral.
“Thank you,” she said, “for saving me and bringing me to your home.” Then she added. “Ur oh,” with as much of a growl as she could. Cherral went to her and wrapped her in his arms. She had been through so much today and here she was thanking him. Deep in his heart Cherral knew this child was strong, Wookiee strong.
He held her for a moment then picked her up and sat her on the kitchen counter. As he went about making dinner, Cherral named the different foods and kitchen items. Ki’tia tried to pronounce each of the items with varying success. Still, she was learning to understand what he was saying, and almost all Wookiees understood Basic. Dinner was warmed up stew. He sat a bowl for each of them on his table and Ki’tia jumped off the counter. He poured them both a mug of juice and got out the spoons. Cherral sat at his usual place and motioned for Ki’tia to take the other chair. She climb onto the chair and he got up to scoot her closer to the table. He sat back down and started to eat his stew. Ki’tia picked up some stew in her spoon and brought it toward her. She smelled it, then took a small bite. Suddenly, her eyes grew very large and started to water. She dropped the spoon back into the bowl, started fanning at her mouth, looking around desperately. Finally, she spit the food back into her hand.
“I’m very sorry,” she said, with tears coming out of her eyes. “It’s really spicy. It burns my mouth.” She was tossing the food from hand to hand. “Can I put this somewhere?” she asked. “It’s burning my hand, too.”
Cherral leapt up and took the bit of food from Ki’tia’s hand. He threw it into the sink. Next he grabbed a cloth, wet it and wiped her hands. He handed her the mug of juice and watched her drink.
“Thanks, that’s much better,” she said after drinking most of the juice. “Maybe I could just eat the food from my basket,” she added.
Cherral went to the main room and got her basket. He brought it back into the kitchen and sat it on the table near her. How could he be so stupid? He knew most Wookiee food was too spicy for humans. He poured her more juice as she started taking things out of the basket.
“Would you like some of this bread and cheese?” she asked pointing to some of the things she was putting on the table. “Oh, and look! Fudge!” She held up a small wrapped package. “You should try it. It’s very good.” She thought a minute and added, “I think it’s supposed to be for my birthday. I’m seven tomorrow, at least I think it would be tomorrow.” Ki’tia quickly put the package of fudge on the table. She jumped up and ran out of the kitchen.
Cherral followed and found her curled up on top of the bag he’d carried her there in. She was crying. He picked her up and held her like a frightened pup, rocking her gently back and forth. She buried her face in his fur and wept. After a while she became still, he realized she was asleep. Cherral put her down on his sofa, then covered her with the blanket from her basket. He put her food in his stasis unit and finished his meal. Tomorrow he would asked his sister, Sarrua, what to feed her. Maybe Sarrua would take care of Ki’tia, she had a pup of her own. Wouldn’t that be a better place for the girl? He also had to explain the situation to the clan chieftain, Kerrithrarr. It was going to be another long day. Cherral checked on Ki’tia one more time and went off to bed.