Chapter 11

Pi-Lippa's brother is just like her, but on a more extravagant scale (if that is possible). We arrived midday after a long trek, at our new home. The first thing this morning we were arranged and ready to go while our master (I should say my former master) spoke a few words to some of us. He walked down the line and stopped before Ani and me. Ani is now crawling, and always eager to be on the move, and he squirmed, but I held him tightly as we were looked over from head to toe.

"Don't let that boy cause any trouble to your new master," he said, and then he was gone. Goodbye, old master.

We were greeted by the members of the household, and taken to our quarters, which are very much like those at Pi-Lippa's. Then we were allowed to rest and learn the geography of the house for the remainder of the day, as our master was away attending the funeral ceremony for his sister. I have been assigned to outdoor work in the phosphorescent gardens on account of my age, being too old for what he prefers to see about his house, but too young for any of the station work such as cooking.

I took Ani for a tour of the gardens, guided by a BT-800 droid, who seems to have quite a rudimentary processor for a class one droid. Perhaps that is why our master needed a slave to tend to his gardens. They are beautiful, but vast. I wonder if between the BT-800, myself, and Ani, we are to be responsible for the upkeep of the entire rare phosphorescents collection.

Krace has been assigned to be a personal aide on account of his youth and good looks, I'm sure. I just saw him in his new livery and he looks like a new creature. I already miss Sorna, and, so does Ani. This morning, back at Pi-Lippa's, just after those that were being sold had their transmitters reprogrammed, Ani looked up and put one of his small hands on my mouth.

"Sorna?" He said, quite clearly. I shook my head.

"Goodbye, Sorna." I pointed over to where she stood, trying not to look sad. She waved to us.

"'Bye," Ani said, waving his chubby hand and then wriggling to be let down and get about on his own. I let him, knowing that later he would be so tired I could carry him while he slept. I underestimated his energy. He is fascinated by 'T-800 and, and the droid seems to be rather tolerant with him, allowing him to inspect every inch of his durasteel appendages and extra tool arms, and touch his shiny eye.

I reflect on one thing with joy and relief – this would have been the month that Ani would have received a transmitter implant himself. He is quite mobile now, and will be walking on his own soon. But because of my mistress's death and the hustle and bustle of being sold, it has been forgotten. I only hope that he is not inspected too closely by our new master. Perhaps he can live his life free of such a device. But it must always remain a secret. I cannot find it in me to scar him on his round perfect shoulder, though to do so would be wise and perhaps save his life in later years should he be inspected.

I had better close, and write more sometime soon. I intend to leave off recording for several weeks while we adjust here, and become established in good working habits. I also will need time to know who to trust in letting them see me doing this.

Ashjb iowja natyak12gl'.,

Ani entered the above with his little hands. He is always trying to do whatever I do. I hope that I can always be a help to him, and not a hindrance. Don't laugh at that. I know that though I have to do everything for him now, there will come a time when he is older, taller – wiser, stronger than I am. That is what I both dream about and dread. Someday this little blonde adventurer will be a tall strong-limbed young man. I will never have little Ani again. I hope the Force wills that I shall have something better in his place.