Wookies are one of the few races that I know of that cannot touch the Force at all. That said, they are also among the wisest I've ever encountered. Somehow, I don't think those two facts are unrelated. Perhaps this is why Master Yoda was so fond of them.
I remembered Chewbacca from his days as an ambassador to Coruscant and, as Wookies age much slower than humans he looked much the same. It seems that time has been about as kind to him as it has been with me – both of us reduced to mediocrity, our past lives forgotten. Time has not been as kind to the Wookie species however, as the Empire's xenophobia has reduced Kashyyyk to a third world planet.
How unlikely it was then, that we would meet after all these years in a crummy bar in Moss Eisly. If I was surprised to see him, he was astonished to see me.
"General Kenobi," he greeted me, "they said you were dead!"
"Hardly," I replied, "and I go by 'Ben' now." He cocked his head in curiosity but I didn't elaborate.
"I hear you are looking for passage to Alderaan," he continued. "Joining the Alliance, are we?"
"Now who said anything about that?" I evaded. Long ago, a very long time ago, we were friends. Time changes people, and I couldn't be sure of anyone anymore.
"I hear things," he said, lowering his voice. "Things about Senator Organa and his 'daughter'. Rumors that the last lingering flame of the Old Republic still burns." He seemed to look intently into my eyes. "Whispers that the Jedi are alive and well." A slight smile lightened my features.
"Rumors," I echoed, "nothing more."
"My charge, Han Solo, and I have a ship that can get you there," he reverted back to business.
"How much?"
"That is for Han to decide. He's the Pilot, I just work here."
"Hmm, indeed." Just about that time a scuffle broke out between Luke and two of the other patrons. I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes. Children.
"This little one's not worth the effort," I injected my voice with as much force influence as possible, "now let me get you something." The Grumpy Alien drew his blaster. Apparently his species was missed on the 'Force Impervious' list in the Temple. Damn.
With a sizzle of blue-white flame the ruffian had one less arm and a lot smaller ego. That, and I was given a lot more respect than when I'd first walked in the door. I suppressed a smirk at Luke's wide-eyed stare. 'Much to learn you still have.'
While the commotion continued, I felt Chewbacca at my back, but waved him off with a slight flick of my hand. Instead I headed for Luke and helped the boy pick himself up, rather than spend another minute on the floor staring at the alien's severed limb. I leaned in close to keep my words between us.
"Chewbacca here is First Mate on a ship that might suit us…"