A Lily Pond

Racing out of the garage, Luke hunted for non-existent reasons why the Artoounit should go berserk. Threepio followed on his heels. From a small ridge which formed the highest point close by the homestead, Lukehad a panoramic view of the surrounding desert. Bringing out the preciousmacrobinoculars, he scanned the rapidly darkening horizons for something small,metallic, three-legged, and out of its mechanical mind. Threepio fought his way up through the sand to stand beside Luke. "That Artoounit has always caused nothing but trouble," he groaned. "Astromech 'droids arebecoming too iconoclastic even for me to understand, sometimes." The binoculars finally came down, and Luke commented matter-of-factly, "Well,he's nowhere in sight." He kicked furiously at the ground. "Damn it—how could Ihave been so stupid, letting it trick me into removing that restrainer! Uncle Owen'sgoing to kill me." "Begging your pardon, sir," ventured a hopeful Threepio, visions of jawasdancing in his head, "but can't we go after him?" Luke turned. Studiously he examined the wall of black advancing toward them"Not at night. It's too dangerous with all the raiders around. I'm not too concernedabout the jawas, but sandpeople…no, not in the dark. We'll have to wait untilmorning to try to track him" A shout rose from the homestead below. "Luke—Luke, are you finished withthose 'droids yet? I'm turning down the power for the night."