precious time

device of strange design, wires trailing from it at one end, symbols etched into its flatsurface. He connected the wires end to a tubular, smooth handle, pulled through anorganic-looking connector, locked it in place with another tool. He motioned to ashadow in the corner; the shadow moved toward him. Tentatively, the obscure form rolled closer to the robed figure. "Vrrr-ditdweet?" the little R2 unit questioned timidly as it approached, pausing when it wasjust a foot from the shrouded man with the strange device. The shrouded man motioned the droid nearer still. Artoo-Detoo scooted the lastdistance, blinking; and the hands raised toward his domed little head. The fine sand blew hard over the dunes of Tatooine. The wind seemed to comefrom everywhere at once, typhooning in spots, swirling in devil-winds here, hoveringin stillness there, without pattern or meaning.