Delusions of Grandeur

by Kevin J. Anderson

  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

  night side of Ryloth.

  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.