precious time

had watched them in operation. Chewbacca had lingered behind at the docking-bay entrance. Now he rushedup the ramp, a hairy whirlwind, and blabbered excitedly at Solo. The pilot regardedhim coolly, nodding from time to time, then barked a brief reply. The Wookiecharged into the ship, pausing only to urge everyone to follow. "We seem to be a bit rushed," Solo explained cryptically, "so if you'll hurryaboard, we'll be off." Luke was about to venture some questions, but Kenobi was already proddinghim up the ramp. The 'droids followed. Inside, Luke was slightly startled to see the bulky Chewbacca squirm and fighthis way into a pilot's chair which, despite modifications, was still over-whelmed byhis massive form. The Wookie flipped several tiny switches with digits seeminglytoo big for the task. Those great paws drifted with surprising grace over the controls. A deep throbbing started somewhere within the ship as the engines wereactivated. Luke and Ben began strapping themselves into the vacant seats in themain passageway.