Turning Point: A Star Wars Story

Chapter 3

Luke glided the shuttle over the river that bordered Bright Tree Village. The sleek, white triangle fluttered over the raging waters, disturbing the wildlife below. The Jedi would be far enough away from the landing platform to avoid the senators and their courtiers. None of them enjoyed hobnobbing with the government. Besides, this location resurrected fond memories from his honeymoon.

R2-D2 beeped a trill from the rear of the cockpit. From the command seat behind Luke, Kalder said, "We've got company." The compact Jedi Master with straight dark hair and olive skin leaned forward to peer through the cockpit viewscreen.

"Welcoming committee?" Naluma asked as she shielded her eyes from the bright sunlight.

Jedi Kallay pointed out the cockpit window. "Looks like an envoy and his guard detachment."

Luke asked, "Anyone speak Ewokese?" After a moment of silence, he said, "That's what I was afraid of."

Naluma laid her hand on Luke's arm. "You speak enough to get by, don't you?"

"I understand a few words and try to figure out the rest from body language. Hope I don't mess it up." He sighed before extending his hand to his wife.

Naluma struggled to rise, pushing up on the arm of the command chair. The group exited the cockpit and joined the rest of their contingent in the main cabin.

The rest of the Jedi Knights—Jannah Witerspah, Wei'ahtt Ahhzteen, Tandolleau Duwamba, Zeke Leer, Pilar Iyochozu, and Benae Wuda—sat in the jump seats in the main cabin. The six Jedi dressed in their black utilities stood in unison, rising to attention.

Padawan Ben Solo in his gray utilities awaited them on deck in his hover chair. His petulant sneer still marred his face.

Luke led the group down the ramp to meet the Ewok envoy.

The welcoming party formed up in a straight line, holding their spears at their sides. The black-furred leader raised his staff in greeting. Feathers trailed from leather thongs attached to the top of the spear. "Yub nub!"

The Jedi Master lifted his arm in response. "Yub nub!" He pointed to himself. "Luke Skywalker, Jedi Master. Tod modnee ovognee." He bowed to the envoy.

"Chirtu. Tod modnee ovognee." The short bearlike creature smiled, revealing a bright red tongue. "Omgeen gishuedee irdeg." The Ewok waved his arm toward him.

"What did he say?" Naluma whispered in Luke's ear.

"All I caught was 'tribe.'" Luke turned to the assembled Jedi at the base of the ramp. "Think they want the tribal members right now." He lifted his head and ranged out with his senses. "Set a watch tonight. I sense something big out there." He reached out with his hands and rotated them in an arc. "About two clicks out." 

He opened his eyes to see Ben maneuvering his hover chair back up the ramp.

"You're coming with us, Ben. You heard Chirtu. Tribal members are required."

The teen glared at Luke and then at the Ewok. "Is the Senate going to be there?"

"Not 'til tomorrow."

"Then I'll go tomorrow."

Luke stepped toward Ben and lowered his voice to a whisper. "Don't cause an incident." His words came out in a measured rhythm as the two stared each other down.

Ben averted his eyes to his chair. He spoke into Luke's mind, something he rarely did with anyone, not since the voices came. I'm not going to be treated like a freak, Master Skywalker. I may be stuck in this chair, but I'm not going to humiliate myself in front of these . . . barbarians. A sneer crossed his face just the same.