"Can we have a Jawjaw?" There is something about Shalk, where everything he says is intense, grave and accusatory. It never comes out innocent or childlike, which is off-putting considering his young age.
"No." Jintar has no idea what a "Jawjaw," is and his wife shrugs and shakes her head, equally confused.
"Why?" Shalk says somewhat aggressively.
"Because I don't know what that is." He says simply.
"I'll show you." Shalk pulls on his buir's hand and leads him along.
The journey isn't long, and it takes them to Novoc's place. Outside a Jawa is crowed by Mandaloians Jintar doesn't recognize. Ghes is next to him, translating. The Jawa makes quick hand movement.
"What can I get for this?" A short and stocky Mando in green armor asks. He's holding what appears to be a rusty engine of some kind.
Ghes waits for the Jawa's response, which is his odd hand language. Jintar scratches the back of his head and watches.
"He says, if you clean it up, you could get 50 credits. Your missing components for the full price."
The green armored Mando curses but moves on. A woman holds out a garment. The Jawa is somewhat excited. Ghes shakes his head.
"Uh, Jedi undergarments fetch a high price in certain markets."
"This isn't from a Jedi. It's mine and it's not underwear."
"If you advertise it as Jedi, it will sell well."
The Jawa nods enthusiastically. He is very excited about this concept.
"Really." The woman considers this.
"Apparently." Ghes says.
"What about my husband lightsaber collection? It takes up space and he forgot he even has it. Would that sell?"
Ghes waits for his Jawa to finish.
"Not as much as the Jedi garments." Ghes shrugs.
"That's odd. Ok. Thank you."
As she leaves the Jawa leans in to Ghes and his hand movement is quick, like a secret. Ghes chuckles.
"Well, I can understand why'd you say that."
Shalk can't hold steady anymore and makes a break for the Jawa.
"Jawjaw!"
"Hey Shalk, Jintar." Ghes greets.
"That's a Jawa, Shalk." Jintar corrects as he walks over.
"That's what I said! Can we have one? I like this one, but Mirta says I can't have him." Shalk reaches out and tries to touch its face. The Jawa swats Shalk's hand away. Shalk gives a harsh look and tries again. Same result. Shalk stick out his tongue, the Jawa pinches it. Shalk tries to hit it, but it ducks out of the way.
"This is my brother-in-law Akial. Shalk, he's not a pet. You can't have him or any Jawa, they're people." Ghes says kindly. He pats Shalk on the top of the head.
"Your brother-in-law?"
"Ask Mirta."
"Buir, can I play with it?"
"Him." Ghes correctly gently.
"Him." Shalk repeats annoyed.
"Only if, uh, what was his name?"
"Akial."
"Only if Akial agrees."
Shalk looks to Akial, he nods. They run off to the side somewhere. The two adults watch them play.
"So, the story?" Jintar asks, not taking his eyes off his son.
"Mirta says they met in a cantina on some planet. Got in trouble with, and to quote her, "a couple of Bossks," Ghes snorts.
Shalk makes a strange high pitched squeal, which is unusual for him. Jintar parent helmet on runs over. Shalk is holding on to his backside. Ghes strides over, shaking his head, torn between amusement and embarrassment, with a little touch of fear.
"Shalk, what's run?" Jintar reaches out to his son and tries to assess the damage, if any. Ghes knows what the problem is.
"Akial."
Akial looks over to Ghes, his hands behind his back, and he's balancing on the balls of his feet. If he could, he'd be whistling.
"Akial, release his underwear."
"What?" Jintar turns back to Akial.
"Akial, this isn't the Jedi way." Ghes breaks off into subtle laughter. Akial bats his hand annoyed and Shalk stops squirming.
"What just happened?"
"Akial just gave your son a force wedgie."