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By Root 201 0

that, and Lowbacca believes that the responsibility is largely his," Em Teedee said. "You see, since childhood Sirra's best friend was Raabakyysh-or Raaba, as Master Lowbacca's family referred to herintelligent, strong-willed, beautiful, and adventurous. In fact, Master Lowbacca had always felt that... Well, go on," the little droid prompted. "You thought that what?

You can't simply stop in the middle of a sentence."

Lowie gave a low groan and began to speak again. The dark streak of fur over his eyebrow fluffed up, slowing his agitation.

"Approximately one month ago, Raaba prepared to show her own skills in the face of danger, since she wanted to join a difficult and exclusive pilots'school, hoping one day to become the captain of her own ship.

Sirra and Raaba had agreed to accompany one another-but the night before they had planned to go, Raaba impulsively decided to go alone.

"In secret, she descended to the lower jungles at night, leaving behind nothing but a brief message to explain to Sirra what she had done and why. According to her note, Raaba had hoped that by duplicating Lowbacca's feat of bravery she might impress him enough that he would someday consider her a worthy mate for a Jedi-when they were old enough.

However..."

Lowbacca paused and heaved a deep sigh before continuing. "However-oh dear!

- I'm afraid Raaba never returned from her ordeal," Em Teedee continued.

"When her family searched for her they found only her bloodstained toolpack. Nothing more. Raaba was gone."

"Oh, Lowie." Jaina leaned her head against the Wookiee's shoulder.

Tenel Ka looked at her friend, sensing his pain. "Ali. This is why you feel responsible." Lowie spoke again, this time in strangled tones.

'Since Raaba's... loss, Sirra has become increasingly reckless, as if she hardly cares whether she lives or dies. Sirra has refused all offers from other friends to accompany her on her rite of passage, insisting that Raaba was the only one she trusted enough to take along. A while ago, in desperation, Master Lowbacca sent Sirra a message asking if she would accept him as a suitable substitute. Chewbacca has Just brought word of her answer." Em Teedee paused for a moment. "Oh, thank goodness-she's accepted!"

"Hey, that's great," Jacen said in a relieved voice.

"Oh, indeed," Em Teedee chirped.

Lowbacca didn't respond immediately. He seemed to be intently studying a chip in the flagstoned floor.

"Something's still bothering you, Lowie," Jaina said.

Tenel Ka glanced down at the stump of her severed left arm, then gave Lowie an understanding look. 'You fear to face your loss. The loss of Raaba."

"That's it, isn't it?" Jaina said. 'It's going to hurt to go back to Kashyyyk, because your friend Raaba won't be there. And you feel responsible that she died trying to copy something you did."

After Lowie's response, Em Teedee said, "Master Lowbacca is also concerned that his grief over the loss of Raabakyysh will render him less capable of supporting his sister at this critical time. He realizes that it may not be feasible, but he was hoping to impose on one of you to accompany him to his homeworld."

Tenel Ka answered immediately. "You came when I needed you, after my accident. I can do no less, my friend." She reached out her hand to touch Lowbacca's.

"Hey, I'll come too," Jacen said, placing his hand over both of theirs.

"We're stronger together. All of us."

Jaina placed her hand over the others. "I guess we all go then," she said. "Stronger together."

Lowbacca hung back, standing near the disguised Millennium Falcon while the Solo twins said goodbye to their father.

Han Solo gave his kids a lopsided grin.

"Yeah, I kinda had a hunch that all of you were gonna volunteer to go with Lowbacca," he said. "As soon as Chewie told me the situation, I cleared it with your mom. Should be a good opportunity for you kids to brush up on Wookiee language comprehension, too."

Just then Luke Skywalker, wearing his tattered jumpsuit, emerged from the hangar bay with Chewbacca. Lowie could smell the grease stains and solvents on the old