fh_trips | Endor [Monday, December 29]

Luke, a tall golden droid, and the Ewok chief Chirpa, were waiting for the volunteers when the portal finally deposited everyone on Endor. "Welcome," Luke said, giving them all a smile, "and thank you in advance for your help."

He gestured to the Ewok. "This is Chief Chirpa, the leader of Bright Tree Village, where we'll be staying for the next few days." Chirpa bowed to them, then spoke a few words. The droid shuffled forward to translate. "Chief Chirpa welcomes you to Endor," he said, words coming out pinched and precise, "and requests that you make yourself at home. If there is anything he or his warriors can do while you are assisting their neighbors, please let him know."

There was a brief conversation between Threepio and the Chief. "Or tell me and I will convey it," Threepio said. "I am C-3PO, human cyborg relations, and will be serving as translator for you during your stay here. Do watch out for the bugs, and the large drops, and the variety of creatures found in the forest..."

Luke shook his head at him and Threepio stopped speaking. "He worries a little too much," he explained with an easy smile. "If you'll follow me, you can drop off your stuff in the visitors' quarters and we can get started building some huts."

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"I don't have a crush on a nine year old!" Luke said, coming dangerously close to toppling them both over as he tripped over a tree root.

"That's not what you said!" Dawn giggled, not helping the situation by tripping over Luke, "Yoooooooou said that you were overdue to have a wild fling with Gavin, and then you said he's niiiiiiine. Ewwwww, you dirty old man!"

"He's not nine," Luke insisted as he tumbled over, trying to yank Dawn with him. "He came with you!"

There was another squeal, followed by an oof as Dawn fell down to the ground. "Oh, see, that's different," she said, still giggling, "Does he know how you feel? I'd be happy to tell him..."

"I will put you up a tree and leave you there," Luke threatened, reaching out to tickle her again.

"I know how to climb down," she tried to squirm out of the way, but was only halfway successful.

"You can't see the tops of the trees from here," he said, pinning her down.

And only then realizing what kind of position they were in. He went crimson.

Dawn blinked up at Luke in confusion when she saw his blush, and it didn't even occur to her to struggle against his hold.

Then she realized the implications, and she was blushing almost as hard as he was.

"I'm sorry!" he flailed.

He didn't move, though.

Dawn couldn't help it--she started giggling.

Luke started laughing, too.

"I'm a complete mess!" he admitted, rolling onto the grass.

Dawn promptly sat up, straightening her shirt as she went. "But it's a good kind of mess!"

"I'm glad you think so," Luke said, pulling a leaf out of his hair.

"We may have ruined your credibility..."

"Nah," Luke said. "They'll think I'm doing something terribly mysterious and Jedi."

"Oooh, like what?" She asked, brushing herself off.

"I have no idea," Luke said with a chuckle. "I don't recognize myself in most of the rumors."

"Rumors? What kind of rumors? Tell me the wildest one!"

"Let's see," Luke said. "Well, it turns out I can fly by flapping my wings. I can make myself completely invisible and I'm dating four holo stars I've never heard of, let alone met."

"Oh my god, and you didn't tell me any of this! You stinker!" She reached over to swat at him. "Apparently you're an invisible, flying womanizer and you never told me!"

Luke burst out laughing. "It's my secret shame."

"I'm hurt," she sniffled melodramatically. "I thought we told each other everything."

"How would you ever love me if you knew about my wings?" Luke said, flinging a hand up towards his forehead.

"It just so happens that I have a thing for wings," she said, giggling, "but we'd have to have a talk about the womanizing before I ran away with you to an exotic beach."

"I will get rid of the two less attractive women," Luke declared, "but a hero has to have some perks."

Said the guy who'd been a monk for six months.