Chapter 4, Part 13

Chapter 4: Podracer Jaka

Part 13:
AL heard the thumping of the lumbering big machines. He recognized the sound but couldn't quite put his finger on it, yet he knew it wasn't good. So, he hid once again in the pile of junk. The realization that he belonged to that smelly jawa now was even stronger than before. He had no ties to these aweful new machines and wanted desperately to get away, far far away. With the thumping in the distance AL had time to collect as much as he would need to survive. The doll for one, since it was his only companion for the moment. Oil, spare fuses, battery packs (lots of them), a few spare motor belts, rope, welding iron, a couple of scrap metal sheets, and a burlap sack (just in case). During his time alone with the doll he managed to fashion himself a new foot. His old foot had been jolted and broken during the crash. You would think I would be in some sort of pain, but I'm not. Just need to replace this broken foot. OK, now that I've made a new one, how do I get it on? Oh, I see, it goes onto the leg this way. I think I can find a pin or wire or.... Oh, here's something, a bolt! It's on now, but will I be able to roll on it? Will the batteries last? Oops, gotta put in the batteries.

After a couple days of fussing and figiting, AL finally got his foot on. The hard part was getting up. He had rigged a couple wooden poles to push and pull himself around the tent. Now he used them to upright and steady himself. He didn't know how long it took to get up, but he noticed the sun going down. This was a dangerous time to go wandering after Jaka on a new foot, but with the thumping getting louder he had a sense of urgency to find another place to hide. He had dodged a bullet with the first set of storm troopers, but knew he wouldn't be so lucky this time around. Collecting his things and leaving an encrypted note for Jaka, he left the tent, down the canyon, and hid in a cave for the night, ever so silent. Of course, the thing with the gurgly noise at the back of the cave wasn't so quiet. AL knew something was in the cave with him, and cleverly put the sack on (just in case).

Deep thoughts came as AL tried to rest. I promise to go back to the tent as soon as our uninvited guests leave. I promise to do what Jaka tells me to do because I trust him. I promise not to scream when that cave creature tries to swallow me! Don't panic, keep calm, I'll be with Jaka soon... AL didn't rest much, nor did he sleep.